MANAonline
MPBCB demands the return of all championship belts
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, January 7, Mana: Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) is requesting all professional boxing champions from all the regions in the country to return their championship belts to the regional boxing chair persons for safe keeping.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, General Secretary for MPBCB, Mbachichi Nyirenda said it is within the rules of the game in the country that boxers should have the belts for a short period after winning them and later return the belts to the board.
“Is a normal procedure for MPBCB to recall for the belts, usually when someone has won the title we leave it with him for at least two weeks to celebrate with it then we withdraw it for safe keeping but now they have kept the belts for a long period,” he said.
Nyirenda emphasized the difference on how national belts and international sanctioned bouts are handled, noting that here the promoters do not buy the belts for their bouts they just circulate the same belts owned by the board.
“Back then we were allowing boxers to keep the belts but after one incident where one of our belts was damaged we decided to adopt this method because these items are expensive,” he added.
In a separate interview, sports analyst Anointed Kamsampha said the boxers need to understand and follow the rules set by the governing body for the game to register meaningful progress.
“Boxers need to have good managers and trainers who can guide them to do what is right because this issue has been there for a long time and there may be a misunderstanding between the board and boxers who are holding the belts,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a bid to improve professional boxing in the country, MPBCB will set a technical committee by the end of this month to be overseeing professional boxers in each region.
President Chakwera Warns New Ministers: Deliver or Face Dismissal
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, January 7, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has issued a stern warning to newly appointed cabinet ministers, emphasizing that their positions are not for leisure but for delivering tangible results.
The President made these remarks today during a swearing-in ceremony held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
President Chakwera highlighted that Malawi is undergoing a painful recovery process and urged the new ministers to work collaboratively with him in ensuring transparency and effective communication with the public.
"As we straighten these bones that have been bent due to all the things that have deformed the country, I urge you to join me in informing Malawians on what government is doing to change the nation’s economy," said Chakwera.
He further reminded the ministers that their appointments come with a responsibility to remain accountable to the people of Malawi and deliver meaningful results.
He warned that failure to meet expectations would result in their removal from office.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant moment in Chakwera's administration as he seeks to drive forward his agenda for national recovery and economic reform.
MBTS on Blood Collection Campaign in Mangochi
By Ralph Charles Chinomba & Nephthali Kalumbi
Mangochi, January 7, Mana: Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) for the Eastern Region branch has embarked on a four-day blood collection campaign in Mangochi District to boost its blood banks and ensure the availability of safe and adequate blood in all district hospital facilities in the regions.
The exercise, which started last Monday, is scheduled to be conducted in different places from Mangochi Township, Monkey-bay, Chamtulo and Madelco.
Speaking during an interview, Assistant Public Relations Officer for Eastern Region MBTS, McLoyd Kudzingo, appealed to the public and all eligible blood donors to come in large numbers and participate in donating blood to reach the demand.
“We have high expectations that after four days as planned, our team will manage to reach the target and be able to collect 400 units from all four centers collectively,” said kudzingo.
He further said that the exercise will also be conducted in the schools and other trading centres to maximize the opportunities of reaching the demand for blood that hospitals have.
A 24th time blood donor, Bright Dillie described the activity as lifesaving, and he encouraged those with misconceptions about blood donation to cast away those myths as the process of blood donation is not dangerous.
“It has been my wish to save someone’s life through blood donation and every time I take part in blood donation my spirit is lifted since I get the relief that someone’s life has been saved with my blood,” said Dillie.
Speaking in a separate interview, health expert, Maziko Matemba encouraged Malawians to develop a habit of donating blood regularly since blood plays a crucial role in the human body.
Midwife arrested for allegedly stealing freezer in Karonga
By George Mponda
Karonga, January 7, Mana: Police in Karonga have arrested a Midwife Technician at Mwenelondo Health Centre, Nathaniel Msachi, 32 for allegedly having stolen a deep freezer at the health facility.
According to Karonga Police Station Public Relations Officer, Margret Msiska, on December 30, 2024, Eunice Mwaungulu who is In-charge of Mwenelondo Health Centre lodged a complaint to police that unknown criminals had broken into her office and stolen a 300- liter deep freezer valued at MK1.2 million.
"After thorough investigations, police detectives on January 5, 2025 apprehended Msachi who after questioning admitted to have stolen the freezer on December 29, 2025 at around 09:00 hours.
“The suspect is said to have opened the door using the keys under his custody and tampered with the lock to make it look like there was a breaking in by an outsider.
“Msachi later on led the law enforcers to where he had sold the freezer and the property was recovered,” said Msiska.
Msachi is expected to appear in court to answer a charge of theft by a public servant contrary to Section 283 of the Penal Code.
He hails from Mwenekabe Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kilupula in Karonga District.
Kingston pledges to elevate Malawi’s film industry
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, January 7, Mana: Newly elected President of the Film Association of Malawi (FAMA), Dorothy Kingston, has raised hopes of advancing Malawi’s film industry and increasing its visibility.
Film Association of Malawi held its leadership elections on January 5, 2025, at the Golden Peacock Hotel, Lilongwe.
Speaking to the Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, Kingstone said her leadership aims to bring long-awaited changes to the country’s art industry.
“I am excited and deeply honored that people have chosen me as their president for FAMA. I look forward to collaborating with professionals from various fields, such as production, editing, and scriptwriting, in Malawi. I was elected for my leadership skills, not my acting abilities, and I intend to operate like any effective leader,” she said.
Kingston described FAMA as a ‘single ship’ that has existed for nearly fourteen years without being fully operational or registered as an association.
She revealed that FAMA plans to establish regional offices across the country to act as its eyes and ears, making it easier for people to connect with the association.
Kingston acknowledged that Malawi’s film industry faces challenges, particularly due to the absence of a dedicated proposal-writing committee, which hampers its ability to compete globally.
“We lack the capacity to convince stakeholders to fund film production. This results in low-quality films due to limited resources. To address this, FAMA will establish a committee to source funding and build sustainable relationships. This will help FAMA transition from being a resource-seeking entity to becoming a revenue generator,” she explained.
Kingston also encouraged Malawians in the arts industry to join the association and participate in its activities.
Social commentator Humphrey Mvula told MANA that Malawians expect a lot from the new leadership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the association’s credibility and ensuring its representatives positively reflect the industry.
“The film industry in Malawi is still in its infancy and must grow gradually and not rush to achieve significant progress. It should align with Malawi’s cultural values rather than adopting foreign cultures solely to accelerate development,” Mvula said.
He commended the election of Dorothy Kingstone as president and Gilbert Moyo as vice president, urging the leaders to remain neutral and independent.
“They must support constructive initiatives from both the government and opposition while objectively critiquing issues through the arts. Their neutrality will be crucial in fostering trust and credibility,” he added.
Film Association of Malawi was established in 2011 with the goal of bringing together and coordinating persons and groups involved in the production and promotion of films in Malawi.
Peter Mponda returns home
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, January 06, Mana: Peter Mponda has been appointed as the coach of Nyasa Big Bullets marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter at the club.
His return to the country’s most decorated football club follows a successful tenure at Silver Strikers, where he solidified his reputation as one of Malawi’s most promising coaches.
With head coach Kalisto Pasuwa now at the helm of the Malawi national team, Mponda’s appointment signals a seamless continuation of the club's legacy of success.
Peter Mponda’s time at Silver Strikers in the 2024 season was nothing short of exceptional. Appointed as head coach in 2022, Mponda brought discipline, tactical innovation, and a winning mentality to the Lilongwe-based team.
His leadership transformed Silver Strikers into one of the most formidable teams in the Super League of Malawi, competing fiercely with traditional giants like FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Mponda steps into the role with the task of maintaining the club’s domestic dominance while improving its performance on the continental stage. His appointment follows a remarkable 2024 season with Silver Strikers, where he guided the team to win the TNM Super League title and finished second in the Airtel Top 8 Cup.
The Neglected Boy Child: Malawi’s Growing Concern
By Hastings Yobe & Gomezgani Msiska
Mana, Lilongwe, January 6: Malawi’s efforts to empower girls and women have been remarkable, but in the process, the boy child has been left behind. The consequences are alarming.
According to recent statistics from the Malawi Police Service, the first half of 2024 recorded 281 suicide cases representing a 27.7 percent increase from the previous year. Males accounted for 87.5% of these cases, with 246 reported incidents.
This disturbing trend is a wake-up call for Malawi. Isabel Pike’s 2019 study in Kenya highlights the threat to the future of the boy child.
“Too much attention has been paid to the girl child leaving the boy child completely ignored,” the report reads.
This neglect has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the boys but also their families and communities.
For young men like Gift Banda, a student at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, the struggle is real.
“I have never seen any bursary for boys,” he says, his voice laced with frustration.
“If they cannot support us all, at least they should support those boys who are brilliant and from marginalized families,” he adds.
Gift’s story is not unique; many boys in Malawi face similar challenges, their potential hindered by lack of opportunities.
The societal expectations placed on boys exacerbate the problem.
Kelvin Chirwa, a student at the University of Malawi, explains: “Systems are there to help men, but they are not adequate. Men are suffering in silence because the society expects them to persevere.”
This toxic masculinity stifles boys’ emotional expression, leading to devastating consequences.
Redson Kandozi, a student at the University of Livingstonia, believes that counselling should start from primary school to help boys with mental health issues.
“This makes it hard for men to get help, but I think if we start counselling from schools, then we can help more men with mental health issues,” he says.
By addressing these issues early, Malawi can prevent the alarming rise in suicide cases.
Communications Director for Centre for Social Equity (CSE), Beston M’betewa, says that nearly one million boys are facing different forms of violence at the hands of teachers and their peers, especially girls.
“Many boys or men fail to report violence because of their gender roles and the fear of being looked at as weak in their communities,” M’betewa said.
The neglect of the boy child is not only a Malawian problem but also a global concern. The African Union (AU) recognizes the need to promote the boy child alongside girls.
Writing on its website after a conference on matters of gender equality held in Ethiopia, the continental body agreed that both men and women are victims, survivors as well as perpetrators of violence.
“Why do we only focus on females as the only victims of gender based violence? Why is there such a stereotype towards men?”writes AU.
Paramount Chief Gomani V of Ntcheu emphasizes, “It is important for us, as traditional leaders, to lead in the fight against gender-based violence and to remind people that our communities have both males and females.”
As Memory Banda, an activist and founder of the Foundation for Girls Leadership, aptly puts it, “To have a peaceful co-existence and end gender wars, we must groom both girls and boys in the same measure of opportunities and respect to their rights.”
Witness Chawinga, a CorpsAfrica volunteer, highlights the importance of supporting both girls’ and boys’ education.
“Supporting boys’ education is crucial for achieving youth empowerment, and it should not be neglected in favor of solely focusing on girls’ education,” she said.
Ministry of Education reports a 7.3 percent decrease in the number of boys writing Junion Certificate of Education (JCE) examination, compared to a 6 percent decrease in girls. This trend is concerning, as it suggests that boys are being left behind in education.
By acknowledging the neglect of the boy child and working towards a more balanced approach to empowerment, Malawi can create a brighter future for all its children.
As the 16 days of activism against gender based violence just passed in December, the call to action is clear. It is time to recognize the struggles of the boy child and work towards a more equitable society. The future of Malawi’s boys depends on it.
VP Usi warns against politicizing relief food distribution
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, January 5, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has urged political and traditional leaders not to politicize food distribution exercise being undertaken by the government, saying doing so will hinder the intention of the exercise.
Usi made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at Gunda Primary School ground in the area of Senior Chief Ndalama where he distributed 5 kilogramme maize flour to 700 food insecure people in the area of chiefs Ndalama and Nanseta.
“Hunger is a danger to the community such that politicizing food distribution exercises will leave hundreds of people suffering from famine.
“If you see a politician or any person politicizing food distribution, ask them to give their portion of food to those who are suffering from hunger, hunger affects all people regardless of one’s political affiliation,” he said.
Usi, therefore, called on politicians, clergy, and faith groups to come together and help Malawians to come out of hunger.
However, Usi lamented over some government officials who are stealing the relief items from the poor that they were supposed to serve.
The Vice President observed that for the past two weeks, he has been in the Southern Region distributing maize; he noted with shock that those stealing from the poor were well-to-do who can fend for themselves.
He said measures will be put in place to stop the malpractice from continuing.
Member of Parliament for Thyolo East, Masauko White thanked Usi for being diligent in fulfilling his promises, saying it was the second time for Usi to visit his constituency where at first the VP distributed food under the lean season food insecure programme.
Masauko added that as a Member of Parliament, his focus is to see people who are affected by hunger being assisted; noting that it is sad to note that his party (DPP) is politicizing the initiative thinking it is aimed at bringing MCP to the area.
Senior Chief Ndalama expressed gratitude to President Chakwera and the vice president for understanding the magnitude of the hunger in the country.
Ndalama said the food assistance will reduce hunger in the villages of Bandaman, Ndalama, Nanseta, Gunda, Thowera, Chitimbe, and Khumukile, which are under traditional authorities Ndalama and Nanseta.
He, however, attributed the recurrent hunger situation to the lack of land for cultivation as a contributing factor aside from the climate shocks.
Ndalama, therefore, appealed government to consider reclaiming some pockets of uncultivated land from Tea Estates and distribute it to the communities to ensure food security in the district.
He also asked the Vice President to assist in the construction of a school block for Gunda Secondary School.
One of the beneficiaries, Alefa Magombo from Kasalika Village in Traditional Authority Ndalama expressed gratitude for the food received.
"I could have slept on an empty stomach if it was not for this food," she said.
She added that hunger has severely affected her since she doesn't have a husband to support her.
Apart from distributing maize flour, Usi distributed groundnuts, mosquito repellent and clothes to people in the area.
Government responds to hunger in northern Kasungu
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, January 5, Mana: Government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) is continuing the distribution of maize to hunger-stricken communities in Kasungu District where at least 50 000 households are earmarked to benefit.
On Saturday, Member of Parliament for Kasungu North, Mike Bango, led the relief maize distribution exercise in the areas of Traditional Authority Kaluluma, Chisemphere, Kalikokha, Chisikwa and Chikwa in the district.
Bango applauded government for the maize, describing it as a huge response amid a hunger crisis largely created by the El Nino weather phenomenon that led to prolonged dry spells resulting in poor harvest last season.
“We thank government for walking the talk on food distribution as we are all aware of the hunger created by natural disasters last season. We do not expect anyone to sell the maize received today.
“I would also like to urge well-wishers to join government in these efforts because many people do not have food and will need assistance,” Bango said.
He said it pleasing that maize is now available in ADMARC markets in his constituency where people can buy it at affordable prices.
Group Village Head, Chisikwa expressed excitement with the donation and thanked government for the response.
“We are hungry here, not necessarily because of laziness, but because of the dry spells we experienced last year. Most families do not have food.
“However, I am glad that we have received the maize. This will reduce the pressure we had in our households and we are thankful to the government for this,” Chisikwa said.
He called on the beneficiaries to adopt eating habits that can assist in preserving food by avoiding wastefulness.
One of the beneficiaries, Witness Banda could not conceal her joy after receiving a bag of maize and said she and her family will now have something good to eat after a long period without proper food.
At least 5014 bags of maize have been distributed so far in Kasungu North alone, with the exercise expected to be done for two more months.
Kasungu is one of the 23 districts President Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster in March last year following a disastrous growing season.
YOWORI enhances access to SRHR with 4324 Hotline
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, January 5, Mana: Young Women Rise (YOWORI), a women-led organization has launched a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) hotline, 4324 to improve access to SRHR information and services for young people in Malawi.
Speaking during the launch at George community ground, Katsamba village, Traditional Authority Symon, in Neno, YOWORI Executive Director, Mirriam Chilemba highlighted the transformative potential of the hotline in bridging the information gap and providing timely support to vulnerable populations.
“The SRHR hotline, 4324 is a game changer. Many young people face challenges because they lack information or resources to address their reproductive health concerns effectively.
“This hotline ensures that everyone, regardless of their location, can access accurate SRHR information and support,” added Chilemba.
She said the hotline will also serve as a safe and confidential reporting channel for issues such as gender-based violence and psychosocial concerns.
“Some people are trapped in harmful situations simply because they don’t know where to seek help or because the available services are out of reach. With this hotline, anyone can report cases, seek advice and receive assistance without barriers,” YOWORI Executive Director added.
The launch of the hotline coincides with YOWORI’s ongoing efforts to promote access to SRHR services under the SRHR for All project.
Chilemba said the initiative addresses critical issues such as unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions and limited access to family planning methods.
“There’s a gap in accessing SRHR services among the youth, especially in areas like Neno. Through the hotline, we aim to provide immediate support and link young people to professional healthcare services,” she said.
With the hotline's launch, YOWORI reinforces its commitment to empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and futures.
Post-Abortion Care Coordinator at Neno District Hospital, James Chinkhata, pointed out the importance of seeking professional medical care for reproductive health concerns, particularly in cases of unplanned pregnancies or abortion complications.
“Incomplete and unsafe abortions often result in severe complications, such as septic infections and infertility.
“We provide post-abortion care, including manual vacuum aspiration, family planning, and other reproductive health services to prevent such tragedies. The hotline will further enable us to connect with those in need of these services,” Chinkhata said.
YOWORI’s broader mission focuses on addressing social injustices affecting young women and girls, including gender-based violence, early pregnancies, and limited access to education.
The organization also advocates for the rights of young people living with HIV, offering economic empowerment and educational initiatives.
The hotline, 4324, is now operational and available to anyone seeking information or assistance with SRHR, gender-based violence, and psychosocial issues.
